Aviation

Tribological properties of thermoplastic elastomer used in 3D printing technology

Tadeusz Leśniewski — 2024-05-28

The use of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) in 3D printing technology enables the use of this technology to produce prototype seals with an unusual shape or design solution. Tribological tests were carried out on a pin-on-disc test stand. The influence of contact pressure and sliding velocity on the friction coefficient of the TPE-steel friction pair under mixed lubrication conditions was analyzed. Based on the obtained tribological test results, it was found that the coefficient of friction of the thermoplastic TPE elastomer on steel in the presence of hydraulic oil (mixed lubrication) at a sliding velocity below 1 m/s does not exceed μ = 0.25. The obtained friction coefficient values are comparable to the results for other elastomeric materials used for technical seals. It was found that the influence of contact pressure on the value of the friction coefficient in the tested friction pairs is varied and depends, for example, on the sliding velocity. It was recommended to carry out research on the assessment of durability (wear intensity) and structure (porosity) of the material in elements manufactured using 3D printing to obtain full knowledge of the possibility of using these materials in the area of technical aircraft seals.

A comprehensive analysis of competency and training perspectives among air traffic controllers

Ertan Çinar — 2024-05-28

The aim of the study was to examine air traffic controllers’ perspectives on competency, performance, and training. Analysing data from 182 participants, the results revealed a strong focus on competency with the controllers actively evaluating their skills. Notably, the experienced controllers (19+ years) displayed a heightened commitment to continuous learning, reflected in their higher participation in individual training and perception of its value for their career goals and adaptation to the evolving aviation industry. Competency-based training programs also received positive feedback across experience levels, highlighting their potential effectiveness. Moreover, training was universally perceived as key to performance throughout careers. These results highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning within air traffic control (ATC) communities. Aviation authorities can support this by providing diverse training opportunities, including individual and competency-based programs. Future research should continue investigating the impact of technological advancements and AI/machine learning on ATC competencies, the effectiveness of competency-based training programs, and the role of individual training in competency development, ultimately ensuring the vital role of air traffic controllers in aviation safety.

Machine learning methods as applied to modelling thermal conductivity of epoxy-based composites with different fillers for aircraft

Oleh Yasniy — 2024-05-31

The thermal conductivity coefficient of epoxy composites for aircraft, which are reinforced with glass fiber and filled with aerosil, γ-aminopropylaerosil, aluminum oxide, chromium oxide, respectively, was simulated. To this end, various machine learning methods were used, in particular, neural networks and boosted trees. The results obtained were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. In particular, the correlation coefficient in the test sample was 0.99%. The prediction error of neural networks in the test samples was 0.5; 0.3; 0.2%, while that of boosted trees was 1.5; 0.9%.

Investigation of aerodynamic characteristics of swept C-wing configurations at transonic speed using design of experiments and computational fluid dynamics

Heershikesh Heerish Samputh — 2024-06-27

Authors investigated the aerodynamic characteristics of backward swept (BSCW) and forward swept (FSCW) C-wing configurations at transonic speed using Design of Experiments (DoE) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), aiming to enhance aircraft performance. Five geometric parameters for C-winglet design were identified from the literature. A quarter fractional factorial approach for the DoE was employed to analyse the effect of these parameters on aerodynamic characteristics at a constant Mach number and angle of attack of 0.8395 and 3.06°, respectively. Numerical results confirm the accuracy of the regression model in predicting aerodynamic coefficients, while normal plot highlight influential geometric parameters. Retrofitting C-winglets at the wingtips increases the aerodynamic performance by approximately 9.38% and 9.74% for BSCW and FSCW configurations respectively, compared to wings without C-winglets. The study demonstrates that utilizing a large cant angle and sweep angle of 60°, along with a low taper ratio of 0.562 for both the vertical and horizontal winglets, as well as a low cant angle of 90° for the horizontal winglet, reduces shockwave interactions on the C-winglet surface, consequently leading to a reduction in drag. It was concluded that the geometric parameters of the C-winglet play an integral role in designing new aircraft aimed at reducing drag.

IMS cube, a new risk model for integrated management systems in aviation

Joeri Meeûs — 2024-07-29

Airlines have implemented various management systems to avoid different risks but without considering interoperability or integration. This results in a lack of a holistic view and a counterproductive and isolated approach to managing different risks. Therefore, this article proposes a newly designed model to have an integrated system for airlines to ensure interoperability and demonstrate the added value of such a model. The model is based on a survey outcome which confirmed the need for interoperability amongst different management systems. The developed model creates a language for key processes in different management systems, enabling different management systems to create interoperability. The language consists of 3 components used by the different systems. Adding a process to integrate all the different systems provides a holistic view of how each management system works together by providing focus points for the different risks airlines face. Together with the concept of the IMS cube, a new practical model is developed and provides new insights into the different management systems, which remain undetected when looking at management systems individually. It is concluded that a holistic risk profile assists airlines in making decisions which impact multiple management systems rather than individual management systems.

Analyses of European terminal aerodrome weather forecasts in 2022 and 2023

David Sládek — 2024-07-29

Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs) are essential components of aviation meteorology, providing critical information for flight safety and operational decision-making. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of TAF for European airports during the years 2022 and 2023, leveraging Python functions accessible via a dedicated GitHub repository. The complexity inherent in TAF, characterized by diverse change groups, header formats, and regional variations, presents challenges for accurate interpretation. The analysis focuses on key parameters within TAF, including the count of corrected messages and the frequency and types of change groups. The count of corrected messages serves as a metric for evaluating the quality of service provided, while the examination of change group utilization reveals distinct patterns and tendencies specific to each airport. The findings underscore the significance of regional regulations, meteorologist decision-making, and adherence to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards in shaping TAF. The GitHub repository and associated Python functions presented in this study provide valuable resources for meteorologists, researchers, and aviation personnel to conduct in-depth analyses and derive insights from TAF. Ultimately, this study identifies local differences and inconsistencies in the publication of TAF, laying the groundwork for enhancing their consistency and uniformity.

Classification, military applications, and opportunities of unmanned aerial vehicles

Linker Criollo — 2024-08-19

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are cutting-edge technologies used for military purposes world-wide at tactical, operational, and strategic levels. This study provides an overview of the history and current state of military drones, considering a global and Ecuadorian background. Then, a classification of the UAVs developed and built in Ecuador is conducted based on their endurance, altitude, and wing span to understand the national context and progress. The research also delves into the applications of UAVs in several military operations and missions, aiming to create a framework that aligns UAV capabilities with specific operational needs; this permits the identification of the challenges and opportunities the country faces. Unmanned aerial systems have changed the battlefield, and the government needs to adapt to a national strategy that incorporates this technology; this research analyzes and provides insights to improve military capabilities such as exploring modern UAV military applications, technical updates in communication, navigation, and data acquisition systems; and the integration of emerging technologies like smart materials, artificial intelligence, and electric propulsion systems. This study provides valuable insights into the Ecuadorian UAVs that enhance the country’s military operations and offer some applications and uses of this technology for national security.

Figurative language effect on consumer engagement: an empirical investigation for Turkish airline industry

Cem Burak Koçak — 2024-08-20

Increasing consumer engagement (CE) on social networks is one of marketing problems that brands face in today’s competitive environment. Although prior studies on this concept suggested that content strategies have essential role in improving CE, little is known about figurative language effect. Thus, a novel model and research design to examine how the use of figurative language influence CE behavior on Facebook were proposed. Drawing on Encoding/Decoding Model and brand-consumer communication studies, the 1687 brand posts of Turkish airline Facebook pages with Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models were analyzed. The findings indicate that several types of figurative languages (idioms, personifications, and similes) are related to the various CE levels (likes, shares, and comments). The findings of this study give tips for understanding the role of figurative language, reshaping engagement level, and redesigning branded content in marketing communication practices on social networks. The experimental model that provides some clues to reconsider online communication strategies across CE based on figurative language is presented.